They’ve snatched tens of thousands from homes across Vietnam after the government tried to restrict the dog meat trade by banning imports.

The crimewave has led to violent clashes – and three boys were recently killed by thieves after chasing them to try to recover their animals.

Lao Huynh, whose 18-year-old son Bau was among the victims, told Channel 4’s Unreported World: ‘He loved his dog. Because dogs like this one are like human beings. That’s why young people are so angry and want to chase the thieves.

‘I didn’t think they would kill him, just injure him. But they shot him intentionally in the temple.’

Ready for market: Dogs are hosed down before being sold (Picture: Chau Doan)

Up to 20 thieves have also been killed, and many more badly beaten, after angry animal-lovers sought revenge. But their dangerous trade is also lucrative – earning them up to £60 a night.

Enough live dogs to make seven tons of meat are brought to market every day in Hanoi. And one dog-napper told Unreported World he had stolen more than 3,000 in seven years.

Activists are calling for laws to curb the problem because the thieves do not face jail if convicted.

Unreported World: Vietnam’s Dog-Snatchers will be shown Friday on Channel 4 at 7.30pm.